Mirror Module For Vehicle Component And Method Of Assembling A Mirror Module

ABSTRACT

A mirror module for a vehicle component, for example a sun visor, includes a module frame, a mirror connected to the module frame and a having a mirrored surface and a mirror cover supported at the mirrored surface of the mirror. The mirror cover includes a guide that allows the mirror cover to be selectively displaced along a track that is separate from the mirror module between a first position in which the mirrored surface is substantially covered by the mirror cover and a second position in which the mirrored surface is at least partially not covered by the mirror.

The present invention relates to a mirror module, especially for a vehicle, which comprises a module frame, a mirror and a mirror cover, the mirror cover being displaceably arranged between the mirror and the module frame. The present invention further relates to a component comprising said mirror module, a component, especially a sun visor and especially for a vehicle, method for assembling the mirror module and the component as well as the use of the component as a sun visor in a motor vehicle.

Sun visors mounted to be pivotably movable in vehicle bodies, which comprise a mirror which may be covered by means of a lid, are known in the prior art. In this connection, the lid is, for example, pivotable or displaceable so that it is optionally able to cover or reveal the mirror.

The utility model DE 202 17 313 U1 discloses such a sun visor, which comprises two half-shells which may be connected to one another, one of the half-shells comprising on the inside two guides for the lid, in which said lid may be displaced. The lid comprises two respective spring-elastic, U-shaped projections at the side, in order to prevent distortion between the guides and to allow a substantially uniform displacement.

The object of the invention is to provide a component, especially a sun visor and especially for a vehicle which comprises a mirror with a displaceable mirror cover, the mirror cover being able to be displaced in a very uniform manner, the component being able to be manufactured in a very simple and substantially automated manner, and the component being cost-effective.

The object is achieved by a mirror module, especially for a vehicle, which comprises a module frame, a mirror and a mirror cover, the mirror cover being displaceably arranged between the mirror and the module frame, the mirror cover comprising a guiding means by which means it is guided along a sliding means which is preferably not arranged on the mirror module. The person skilled in the art understands that the guiding means as well as the sliding means are able to be provided such that a distortion of the mirror cover during displacement is substantially avoided. The guiding means thus allows, according to the invention, a very uniform displacement along the sliding means.

The mirror cover is arranged according to the invention between the module frame and the mirror. During manufacture, said mirror cover is therefore arranged on the module frame and the mirror is then fastened to the module frame. Preferably, the fastening of the mirror is carried out by first positive and/or non-positive connecting means, for example by snap closures, so that the fastening is reversible and therefore allows, on the one hand, the components to be exchanged. On the other hand, the manufacture of the mirror module may be carried out very rapidly and easily due to the fastening by means of first positive and/or non-positive connecting means. It is particularly preferred that the module frame and the first positive and/or non-positive connecting means are manufactured in one piece, for example as an injection-molded part. Similarly, the mirror cover is preferably manufactured with its guiding means in one piece as an injection-molded part. As a result, the manufacture of the mirror module is very cost-effective, both relative to the cost of material and also relative to the assembly. The modular construction allows the use of the mirror module in any components, especially of a vehicle.

The person skilled in the art understands that an arrangement of the sliding means is also possible on the mirror module, for example on the module frame. For reasons of easier manufacture and assembly, it is however preferred not to arrange the sliding means on the mirror module.

Preferably the guiding means comprises two arms arranged substantially parallel to one another, so that the guiding means is particularly preferably substantially U-shaped or Y-shaped in cross section. This design of the guiding means may be manufactured very easily and cost-effectively.

Preferably, the sliding means is a single-track rail or multi-track rail extending in a sliding direction. With single-track manufacture of the sliding means, for example in the form of a rib, the guiding means preferably engages at least partially around the sliding means. With multi-track manufacture of the sliding means, for example in the form of a plurality of ribs arranged substantially parallel to one another, in particular with three-track or four-track manufacture of the sliding means, the sliding means preferably at least partially engages around the guiding means.

The person skilled in the art understands that, in an embodiment which is preferred due to the low cost of material associated therewith, the sliding means is provided as two-track sliding means and the guiding means is provided as single-track guiding means. However, the cost of the material is even lower if the sliding means is manufactured as single-track sliding means, and the guiding means is provided with two arms, so that this embodiment is particularly preferred. The guiding means is quite particularly preferred to be provided substantially in the center of one of the edges of the mirror cover extending transversely to the sliding direction.

Preferably, the arms may be clamped to one another by means of a force means, for example by means of a spring. The force exerted on the arms by means of the force means preferably has the effect that the spacing between the arms is elastically contracted. As a result, the arms bear at least partially on the sliding means. The person skilled in the art understands that the force exerted by the force means on the arms may be adjusted such that it compensates for the play between the guiding means and the sliding means and/or slight irregularities in the manufacture of the guiding means and/or the sliding means but, however, an easy and very uniform displacement of the mirror cover is ensured.

Preferably, the mirror cover comprises at least one first compensating means, particularly preferably two first compensating means. The first compensating means is preferably spring elastic and U-shaped and arranged on one edge of the mirror cover parallel to the sliding direction. With an embodiment with two compensating means, said compensating means are preferably arranged parallel to one another on the respective opposing edges of the mirror cover, which extend substantially parallel to the sliding direction. The first compensating means produces compensation for the manufacturing tolerances between the module frame and the mirror cover in a plane formed by the mirror cover and arranged substantially parallel to the mirror.

The mirror cover further preferably comprises at least one second compensating means, particularly preferably two second compensating means. The second compensating means extends in a direction which extends transversely to a plane formed by the mirror cover and substantially parallel to the mirror and produces compensation for the manufacturing tolerances in this direction, preferably between the module frame and a component into which the mirror module is fitted. Preferably, the second compensating means is arranged on a molding which is arranged on one edge of the mirror cover extending transversely to the sliding direction, and preferably the molding and the compensating means are integral with the mirror cover. In one embodiment in which the mirror cover comprises two second compensating means, the moldings are preferably arranged in the vicinity of the corners of the mirror cover and on the same edge of the mirror cover.

The compensating means are preferably arranged in a region of the mirror module which is not visible to the user, in order not to reduce the visual effect.

The mirror module according to the invention is easily constructed and may be manufactured rapidly, easily and very cost-effectively. The mirror cover may be very uniformly displaced due to the guiding means according to the invention.

The object is further achieved by a component which comprises a base body with a recess into which a mirror module according to the invention is inserted. The component and mirror module may be manufactured independently of one another and optionally simultaneously, so that the manufacture may be carried out rapidly and cost-effectively.

Preferably, the base body comprises a first base body part and a second base body part which form a cavity, the mirror module being arranged at least partially in the cavity. The mirror module may, therefore, be inserted very easily into the base body through the recess.

Preferably, the fastening of the mirror module is carried out by means of second positive and/or non-positive connecting means, preferably by means of snap closures, so that the assembly may be carried out rapidly and easily and is reversible. The mirror module, the components thereof and/or the base body may therefore be exchanged. Preferably, the second positive and/or non-positive connecting means are arranged on the second base body part and, particularly preferably, are integral therewith. The base body parts are preferably injection-molded parts and therefore may be produced cost-effectively. The connection of the base body parts is preferably carried out by means of a material fit, particularly preferably by means of bonding or welding.

In a preferred embodiment, the second base body part comprises the sliding means in a sliding direction, the sliding means being also preferably integral with the second base body part. As a result, only a very slightly higher material cost results for the second base body part, the strength of the second base body part being advantageously improved by the sliding means. The production costs are, therefore, not substantially increased by the sliding means.

The object is further achieved by a component, especially a sun visor and especially for a vehicle which comprises a base body and a mirror with a mirror cover, the mirror cover being arranged on the mirror, the base body comprising just one sliding means, along which the mirror cover may be displaced in and counter to a sliding direction from a first position in which the mirror is substantially covered by means of the mirror cover, into a second position in which the mirror is at least partially not covered by means of the mirror cover. Due to the use of only one sliding means, along which the mirror cover may be displaced, the material cost for producing the component is low and the component may, therefore, be produced cost-effectively. Moreover, the mirror cover is therefore not able to become skewed between two sliding means.

Preferably, the mirror cover comprises a guiding means by means of which it is guided when displaced along the sliding means. As a result, the mirror cover is not able to distort or slip when displaced. By means of the guiding means it is ensured that the displacement is carried out easily and uniformly.

Preferably, the mirror and the mirror cover are components of a mirror module according to the invention, so that the component is able to be manufactured in a modular manner.

The following embodiments apply to both components solving the object of the invention.

In one preferred embodiment, the sliding means is a single-track sliding means, so that the material cost is very low.

Preferably, the guiding means at least partially engages around the sliding means. As a result, the mirror cover is securely guided along the sliding means and does not distort when displaced.

A further subject of the present invention is a method for assembling a mirror module according to the invention, the mirror cover being arranged on the side associated with the mirror on the module frame, and the mirror being connected to the module frame, preferably reversibly and preferably by means of first positive and/or non-positive connecting means, for example snap closures. Due to the use of first positive and/or non-positive connecting means, the method may be carried out in a fully automated manner and is therefore very cost-effective.

Preferably, the spring is arranged before, during or after the assembly of the mirror module on the guiding means of the mirror cover.

A further subject of the present invention is a method for assembling a component according to the invention, the mirror module being inserted into the recess, preferably reversibly and preferably by means of second positive and/or non-positive connecting means, for example snap closures. This method also provides for the use of second positive and/or non-positive connecting means so that it is substantially automated and therefore cost-effective.

A further subject of the present invention is the use of a component according to the invention as a sun visor of a motor vehicle. The sun visor may be produced in an automated manner, cost-effectively, rapidly and easily and the mirror cover may be very easily and uniformly displaced.

The invention is disclosed hereinafter by means of the figures. The figures are given merely by way of example and do not restrict the general idea of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a mirror cover of a mirror module according to the invention and namely in view a in a plan view and in view b in a side view.

FIG. 2 shows in view a a component according to the invention into which a mirror module according to the invention is inserted, and the mirror module in an exploded view b.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the base body of a component according to the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a mirror module according to the invention from the viewing direction facing away from a user of the mirror module.

FIG. 1 shows a mirror cover 5 of a mirror module 1 according to the invention which is shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 and namely in view a in a plan view and in view b in a side view. The mirror cover 5 comprises a guiding means 7 which is provided substantially in the center of one of the edges of the mirror cover 5 extending transversely to a sliding direction 14 in which the mirror cover 5 may be displaced in the installed state in the mirror module 1. The guiding means 7 comprises two arms 71, 72 extending substantially parallel to one another and substantially parallel to the sliding direction 14 and is substantially U-shaped in cross section. On the edges of the mirror cover 5 extending substantially parallel to the sliding direction 14, the guiding means 7 comprises one respective first compensating means 9 for compensating for manufacturing tolerances. Furthermore, it comprises two second compensating means 10 which extend in a direction which extends transversely to a plane formed by the mirror cover 5 and in the installed state substantially parallel to a mirror 6, which is shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 and also produce compensation for the manufacturing tolerances but in the direction in which they extend. The second compensating means 10 are provided on moldings 110 which are arranged in the vicinity of the corners of the mirror cover 5 and on the same edge of the mirror cover 5 extending transversely to the sliding direction 14. The arms 71, 72 of the guiding means 7 may be clamped to one another by means of a force means 3, so that a spacing 18 present between the arms 71, 72 is elastically contracted. The mirror cover 5 comprises a stop 19 which, on the one hand, limits the displacement in the sliding direction 14 and serves, on the other hand, as a “handle” for the user.

FIG. 2 shows in view a a component according to the invention, into which a mirror module 1 according to the invention is inserted and the mirror module 1 in an exploded view b. The mirror module 1 is inserted in an insertion direction which is indicated by an arrow A, into a base body 15 of the component. The base body 15 comprises a first base body part 2 which has a recess 16 and a second base body part 11, the two base body parts 2, 11 forming a cavity 17. On the second base body part 11 second positive and/or non-positive connecting means 13 are integrally arranged, by means of which the mirror module 1 is fastened when inserting in the insertion direction A and into the recess 16 of the first base body part 2. In the installed state the mirror module 1 extends, therefore, at least partially in the cavity 17. Therefore, sufficient space is available for displacing the mirror cover 5 in the sliding direction 14. The first base body part 2 and the second base body part 11 are preferably welded to one another before the insertion of the mirror module 1.

In view b it may be seen that a mirror module 1 according to the invention preferably only comprises four components, a module frame 4, the mirror cover 5, a force means 3 and the mirror 6. For fastening the mirror 6 to the module frame 4 said module frame comprises first positive and/or non-positive connecting means 12. Furthermore, the guiding means 7 arranged on the mirror cover 5 is visible.

In the installed state, the mirror module 1 is inserted into the component and/or the mirror 6 is fastened to the mirror module 1 such that by displacing the mirror cover 5 the mirrored surface of the mirror 6 is visible.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the base body 15 of a component according to the invention. In this view, the recess 16 of the first base body part 2 and—in the installed state located substantially in the edge region of the recess 16—second positive and/or non-positive connecting means 13, as well as a sliding means 8 of the second base body part 11, which extends substantially in the sliding direction 14, and along which the mirror cover 5 may be displaced in the installed state, are visible, see FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a mirror module 1 according to the invention from the viewing direction facing away from a user of the mirror module 1. The view shows the mirror 6 from its rear face opposing the mirrored surface, which is fastened to the module frame 4 by means of the first positive and/or non-positive connecting means 12. The mirror cover 5 is arranged between the module frame 4 and the mirror 6, and of which the arms 71, 71 of the guiding means 7 are visible. Furthermore, the moldings 110 are visible with the second compensation means 10.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   1 Mirror module -   2 First base body part -   3 Force means -   4 Module frame -   5 Mirror cover -   6 Mirror -   7 Guiding means -   8 Sliding means -   9 First compensating means -   10 Second compensating means -   110 Moldings on which the second compensating means are respectively     arranged -   11 Second base body part -   12 First positive and/or non-positive connecting means -   13 Second positive and/or non-positive connecting means -   14 Sliding direction -   15 Base body -   16 Recess -   17 Cavity -   18 Spacing between the arms of the guiding means -   19 Stop -   A Insertion direction 

1. A mirror module for a vehicle, the mirror module comprising: a module frame; a mirror; and a mirror cover displaceably arranged between the mirror and the module frame, the mirror cover including a guiding means for guiding the mirror cover along a sliding means that is separate from the mirror module.
 2. The mirror module of claim 1 wherein the guiding means comprises two arms arranged substantially parallel to one another.
 3. The mirror module of claim 2 wherein the arms are clamped to one another by a force means.
 4. The mirror module of claim 1 wherein the mirror cover further includes at least one first compensating means.
 5. The mirror module of claim 4 wherein the mirror cover further includes at least one second compensating means.
 6. The component of claim 11 wherein the base body includes a recess into which the mirror module is inserted.
 7. The component of claim 11 wherein the base body includes a first base body part and a second base body part which form a cavity, the mirror module being arranged at least partially in the cavity.
 8. The component of claim 7 wherein the second base body part includes the sliding means in a sliding direction.
 9. A component for a vehicle comprising: a base body including a sliding means; a mirror supported at the base body; and a mirror cover arranged on the mirror, the mirror cover being displaceable along the sliding means in and counter to a sliding direction from a first position in which the mirror is substantially covered by the mirror cover, into a second position in which the mirror is at least partially not covered by the mirror cover.
 10. The component of claim 9, wherein the mirror cover includes a guiding means for guiding the mirror cover when displaced along the sliding means.
 11. The component of claim 9 wherein the mirror and the mirror cover are components of a mirror module.
 12. The component of claim 9 wherein the sliding means is a single-track sliding means.
 13. The component of claim 10 wherein the guiding means at least partially engages around the sliding means.
 14. A method for assembling a mirror module, the method comprising: connecting a mirror to a module frame via first positive and/or non-positive connecting means, the mirror having a first side with a mirrored surface; arranging a mirror cover on the module frame at a side associated with the first side of the mirror, wherein the first positive and/or non-positive connecting means reversibly connects the mirror to the mirror module frame.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of arranging a spring on a guiding means of the mirror cover.
 16. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of inserting the mirror module into a recess of a component.
 17. (canceled)
 18. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of connecting the mirror module to the component in a reversible manner via second positive and/or non-positive connecting means.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein the second positive and/or non-positive connecting means are snap closures.
 20. A component for a vehicle, the component comprising: a base body supporting a track; and a mirror module connected to the base body, the mirror module comprising: a module frame; a mirror connected to the module frame; a mirror cover supporting a guide corresponding to the track that allows the mirror cover to be selectively displaced along the track between a first position in which the mirror is substantially covered by the mirror cover and a second position in which the mirror is at least partially not covered by the mirror cover.
 21. The component of claim 20 wherein the guide includes a first arm and a second arm for engaging the track.
 22. The component of claim 21 wherein the mirror module further comprises a spring biasing the first arm toward the second arm.
 23. The component of claim 21 wherein the track is a single rail that is disposed between the first arm and the second arm.
 24. The component of claim 20 wherein the mirror module is connected to the base body via snap closures which allow the connection to be reversible.
 25. The component of claim 20 wherein the component is a sun visor.
 26. A mirror module for a vehicle component, the mirror module comprising: a module frame; a mirror connected to the module frame and a having a mirrored surface; and a mirror cover supported at the mirrored surface of the mirror and including a guide that allows the mirror cover to be selectively displaced along a track that is separate from the mirror module between a first position in which the mirrored surface is substantially covered by the mirror cover and a second position in which the mirrored surface is at least partially not covered by the mirror.
 27. A method of assembling a mirror module, the method comprising: connecting a mirror to a module frame in a reversible manner, the mirror having a first side with a mirrored surface; and providing a mirror cover at the first side of the mirror, the mirror cover including a guide that allows the mirror cover to be selectively displaced along a track that is separate from the mirror module between a first position in which the mirrored surface is substantially covered by the mirror cover and a second position in which the mirrored surface is at least partially not covered by the mirror. 